InspireThe news magazine of Woodkirk Academy Issue 10 Summer 2018 Shaping Young Lives Vote of confidence Sixth Form Senior Council selected 2 Inspire The news magazine of Woodkirk Academy Inspire 3 So much An inclusive to celebrate curriculum YEAR 9 student Adam Patel has been working tirelessly to raise funds for the Batley Homeless Project. As well Singer WELCOME to our Summer 2018 magazine, and I’m sure you will agree that the stories in this as climbing Ben Nevis, during Eid he went to London to edition will serve to inspire us all. work with the homeless. Adam said: “I got involved with As we enter another summer packed full the charity as part of my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.” of sport, we have chosen this as our focus. Meanwhile, Woodkirk Academy students attended an raises Woodkirk has a proud tradition and heritage insightful conference, delivered by Middle Eastern Talks, of excellence in sport, and students continue to about the historical roots and subdivisions of Islam. exemplify this. The Student Diversity Group at Woodkirk is also Meanwhile, it never ceases to amaze me just helping to promote and raise awareness of our shared the roof how much our students achieve both in and British Citizenship. This term, the return of Mutual out of school, and hosting a Royal visit that Respect Week enabled departments to deliver this YEAR 7 student Jasmine has been singing recognised and celebrated this, was just one of important value through their respective subjects. for nearly four years with the Wakefield the many highlights of the school year. Assemblies and Personal Tutor groups also focused Cathedral Choir, on Wednesdays, Sundays, Happy reading! on refugees, and how every student and adult should and also at weddings. Mrs Barton, Principal contribute to global citizenship. She recently achieved the Dean’s Award after singing three solo songs, learning some Italian phrases and answering questions from the judges. Jasmine said: “I’ve always liked singing, particularly the harmonies. Singing with a Students cast their vote choir is good fun and I’ve made some really THE Sixth Form Senior Council for 2018-2019 of 27 Subject Ambassadors. the chance to voice their opinions. great friends.” has been selected. In addition, students across the main As a result, two students from each year Aaliya and Alfie will be the new Head Girl school nominated themselves to stand group were selected to become their year and Head Boy, supported by Emily for selection as one of Woodkirk’s 110 group’s Student Year or Deputy Leader. and Hamzah as Deputy Form Representatives. This is a crucial They will join the Student Leadership Head Girl and Deputy element in promoting democracy Group, which is chaired by the Junior Head Boy, and a team across the school and allowing students Head Boy and Girl. Cycling for charity Royal recognition WOODKIRK Academy students recently held a fundraising, non-uniform sportswear day, with an amazing raffle of sporting gifts donated by the PRINCE Edward visited Woodkirk work of the 200 students who take Premier League football referee Martin Atkinson. Academy recently, as part of a campaign part in the Award, and the staff who Mr Atkinson, parent of Year 13 Woodkirk Academy to encourage more young people volunteer and support them. student Olivia, also undertook the Whistle Stop Tour to become involved with the Duke He also saw a performance of this 2018 challenge – cycling an epic 1,700 miles from of Edinburgh’s Award. The visit was year’s school show, Legally Blonde England to Russia, for the World Cup – to raise fantastic recognition for all the hard The Musical. money for four deserving charities. Martin and his team of friends, including Mike Tomlinson and Darren Clark, raised funds for the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation, St David’s Hospice Care (Newport) and the University Hospitals (Coventry and Warwickshire). NEWS IN BRIEF • YEAR 10 students attended guest speaker talks on a variety of professions and opportunities, including medicine, engineering, accountancy, law, the RAF, Army, university and apprenticeships. • During Year 12 work experience week, students were given the opportunity to learn about the world of work at first hand. • The Year 10 Sixth Form Taster Day was a great success, and gave students the chance to find out more about this important stage of their education. • Once again, Music students are travelling abroad this summer, to the Rhineland. They are looking forward to performing in front of German audiences, who are known for their appreciation of live music. 4 Inspire The news magazine of Woodkirk Academy Inspire 5 Keen eye Three on the cheers for ball The best, teamwork! bar none CHARLIE, in Year 9, has been a week on the beam, floor, Great teamwork and an selected for the 2018-19 vault and uneven bars, England Gymnastics Squad. with the latter being her She started doing favourite discipline. outstanding competitive gymnastics at Morley Leisure Charlie said: “I never Centre when she was six years thought I would get into the old, and shortly afterwards squad, but I’ve worked really attitude enable students joined the Leeds Gymnastics hard and I’m proud and happy Club. She now trains 22 hours at what I’ve achieved.” at Woodkirk to excel in the field of sport Girls’ At the top rugby on the rise of his game YEAR 9 student Chloe Sanderson has been playing for Oulton Raidettes Junior Rugby YEAR 10 student Harrison is currently undertaking a team for nearly three years. GEORGE, in Year 7, is a keen pitched their skills against two-year scholarship contract with the Huddersfield She had wanted to try a ball hockey player, which is an older team from the host Giants. Playing either second row or prop forward, new sport and as many of closely related to ice hockey, nation who are also world Harrison leads games with a strong defence and her family play rugby, she except the game is played leaders in the sport. visible tackles. thought it would be a great on a non-ice surface using a Playing in the first line Earlier this year, he made his debut for the club, Netballers of note opportunity to take it up. hard plastic ball rather than of defence, George was playing against London Broncos, and he is now Chloe said: “It’s a great way a puck. delighted to win the looking forward to playing other rugby league teams, WOODKIRK Academy netball teams have had a fantastic season. to meet new people and keep He recently had the manager’s Player of the including Leeds Rhinos. The Year 7 netball team played a number of fixtures against schools in fit, and it’s brilliant that more opportunity to attend Tournament Medal. He has also played for Woodkirk Academy’s rugby the South Leeds League and ended the season as South Leeds Champions. girls are now playing rugby.” a training camp and Back home, George trains team since Year 7 and his local rugby team, Shaw The Year 8 team were also crowned South Leeds Champions. Working Her teammates include international tournament every week in Sheffield, and Cross, since the age of six. well together as a team, they demonstrated an excellent competitive fellow Year 9 students Lara in Slovakia. Playing in the is heavily involved in Gaelic Harrison said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity, and I’m attitude and scored a magnificent 106 goals. Dalby and Libby Priestley. under-16s category, his team football and rugby. looking forward to playing more games in the future.” In addition, the Year 9 team won all but two of their fixtures to finish the season as runners-up in the South Leeds League. 6 Inspire The news magazine of Woodkirk Academy Inspire 7 Watersports make a splash Head over heels about diving! YEAR 7 student Sophie is a diver with the City of Leeds Diving Club. Sophie first got into diving in primary school, and now competes against other students from across England. She has also taken part in competitions in Swimmers pool Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Sophie trains seven times their talent a week, starting at 6am. Her favourite dive is a two-and-a-half In sync with LAUREN, in Year 7, is making waves somersault off the five-metre in the swimming pool for the City of board, which she admits can Leeds, along with her sister, Hannah, be a bit scary – but not as who is currently in Year 5 at Westerton terrifying as her backwards success Primary Academy. one-and-a-half somersault! YEAR 7 student Zara started As part of the national team, Lauren has been swimming since synchronised swimming at the Zara will travel to competitions the age of three, and trains every age of ten. around the country, including Wednesday and Saturday morning After winning two silver the London Aquatics Centre. from 5.00-7.30am and every weekday medals at a regional level, she Zara said: “I train ten hours a evening from 4.30-6.30pm. was selected to join the City of week over five days, on both dry Lauren said: “I’d love to represent Leeds under-12 squad. land and in the pool.” Britain in the Olympics one day.” Meanwhile, on dry land... Kickboxer aims high Cheerleaders Hockey players THOMAS Roberts, in Year 10, recently claimed the British Kickboxing jump for joy Championship title after winning the Yokkao UK Open Unified 56kg EARLIER this year, cheerleader and Year 7 student Mollie, who Kickboxing category at the competes and trains with the Rising Stars from Manchester, take the plunge Barnsley Metrodome.